For those who have read the international best-seller, "Driving over
Lemons" this is the property that Chris Stewart fell in love with but
was unable to buy … but you will have to read the book to find out why …
The location is wonderful, a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped valley encompassed by mountain terrain, it's full of orange, lemon, fig and pomegranate, everything left in its natural state. Some 150 or so goats will pay you a visit most days to graze the land, all wearing their tinkling bells. Wonderfully coloured bee eaters are everywhere to be seen as they nest in the rocks directly above the property.
The two casitas overlook the river and, at certain times of the year (depending on rainfall and snowmelt), a small lake forms where you can observe herons, black storks and other water birds. Wildlife such as ibex and wild boar come down to the river to drink. Incredibly peaceful, this is a very special corner of Andalucía, a perfect retreat from life's hustle and bustle.
The style of the rental homes is entirely in keeping with this magnificent environment and local traditions. Two little cottages
(one on the terrace above and to the side of the other), they have been renovated and made into charming holiday homes, each one for a couple. Here you will find chestnut and cane ceilings, ochre and white
walls and stone floors. The result is light and very welcoming.
Casita Tomillo : at the front, a large sun patio runs the entire length of the house looking out over the ancient terraces of almond, olive and orange groves. You can pick the figs from your window!
From here one enters directly into the living room / open-plan kitchen, with its cosy sitting area and a wood burning stove for the cooler evenings. An archway leads to the double bedroom, with a handmade kingsized bed and en-suite shower room.
Casita Romero : originally the old stables, every care has been taken to retain the original architectural details, the soft textured curves of the walls and the beautiful old chestnut and olive beams.
One enters from the cane and vine covered terrace which runs along the front of the house (with sunloungers and dining area)
into the living room / open-plan kitchen. A doorway leads to the double bedroom, with its wonderful hand-made eucalyptus wooden bed strategically placed to wake up to the glorious view. From here there is access to the secret, hidden terrace behind the casita where you can take the sun in total privacy, at the same time enjoying the spectacular surroundings.
Lovely as these casitas are inside, above all this
is a place to enjoy the great outdoors. It's everywhere - spectacular mountain
scenery and stunning views whichever way you turn. The magnificent swimming pool
(15 metres x 8 metres) is centre-stage within the forty-odd acres of rural farmland
which extends down to the river, five minutes walk away from the two houses.
Such
beauty comes at a small price: these are two of the more remote
properties around here, situated eight kilometres from Órgiva, the nearest
centre of civilisation. A narrow road leads out from the small town, through the
delightful countryside, finally turning into a track, the last 200 metres of which
are quite steep and bumpy (but negotiable in a normal car).
Please note,
too, that the electricity supply is solar, which is sufficient to provide lighting
but little else. Equipment such as PC's, hair dryers and music systems cannot
be used here.
So, these are not holiday homes for anyone who needs their
electrical creature comforts or wishes to nip off regularly into town, but for
those who want real countryside peace and joy, this is a small price to pay.
There are various rental options here: throughout the year the cottages can be rented individually, with private use of the pool and grounds (as the other cottage will be closed for the duration of the rental). They also combine perfectly for two couples who want to holiday together (with exclusive use of the pool and grounds) but enjoy a little independence from each other as each has their own casita. In low season, it is possible for a couple to rent just one of the cottages, at a discounted price, but sharing the pool and grounds with guests staying in the other cottage.
Please note that whilst the whole property is completely on its own, "in the middle of glorious nowhere" as described by one contented guest, the owners (an English couple) also live in an adjoining cottage. Helpful yet discrete, they do of course respect clients privacy at all times. As one client wrote to us, "our wonderful hosts should be awarded a gold star for the ambience, design and comfort here, not to mention the incredible natural beauty of this place"
